How to revive your hair with Jonathan Van Ness

If you look up ‘iconic’ in the dictionary, we’re pretty sure you’ll find a picture of Jonathan Van Ness. Known best as the inimitable beauty guru of Queer Eye, Jonathan – aka JVN – has become a go-to for uplifting fashion, beauty and self-care inspo (with 5.6 million Instagram followers and a Cosmo cover under their belt, no less).

But it’s their latest venture, haircare range JVN, that’s got us most excited. Already the fastest growing line at Sephora in the US, JVN haircare promises inclusivity front and centre, allowing everyone to find their best hair self.

JVN haircare comes in infinitely recyclable glass and aluminum packaging and boasts planet-friendly ingredients, including award-winning silicone alternative hemisqualane, so you can nourish without negativity. And the best bit? It’s just landed in the UK.

So, who better to ask how to revive our hair for spring? From practical tips on protecting your strands to the trends to request at your next salon appointment, read on for JVN’s haircare wisdom.

1. Take care of your scalp

First things first, giving our heads some TLC can make all the difference in getting a luscious mane. ‘Our scalps can get dry and flaky with seasonal change, so using a product with a balancing formulation, like the JVN Pre-Wash Scalp Oil, will not only help to keep it decongested and flake-free, but also give hair strength for the most robust growth possible,’ says Jonathan. ‘Apply it root to ends for maximum benefits.’

Other TLC tips include using the pads of your fingers rather than your fingernails when washing to avoid irritation, and using a scalp comb for gentle exfoliation. This one from Hello Klean sloughs away dead cells and stimulates the scalp.

itching dry head scalp and long hair with dandruff

Andrey Popov

2. Protect your hair from humidity

“Frizz is always a big one when warmer weather increases humidity,” Jonathan says. ‘Our Instant Recovery Serum is important because it’s going to make all of your other products work harder and defend your hair from heat and humidity if you put in on first, boosting the effects of your other frizz defending products as you’re heading into spring.” Start with a penny-sized amount and add more if your hair is thicker and/or longer.

JVN Hair

For additional defence, try JVN Nurture. “Dry hair seeks moisture out from humidity in the air, which can make it look frizzy,” Jonathan tells us. “Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner like the JVN Nurture collection to add moisture and lock it into place with ingredients like aloe leaf juice, panthenol and amino acids so your hair doesn’t have to go looking for it in the environment – and don’t even get me started on the hemisqualane in it too, which is the best frizz protector you can get.”

If you want your blow-dry to survive the night, invest in a hair turban like this one from Slip. Double lined with smooth silk inside and out, it will help protect your hair from friction as you sleep.

3. Embrace your natural texture

‘I’m living for texture of all lengths right now!’ says Jonathan. ‘Spring is when we want to put the heat tools down and go outside to have fun and I’m loving those natural textured looks. I’m seeing a lot of retro silhouettes, especially some big 1990s moments.’

If you do want to add texture to your locks, Jonathan recommends using products with fortifying ingredients to keep your hair as happy and healthy as possible. ‘The Air Dry Cream is perfect for making sure your hair is as smooth and fortified as possible, and is formulated to improve the overall quality of your hair instantly and over time.’ A win all round!

two models lying in a sunny field, looking directly into the camera

JVN Hair

4. Experiment with colour and layers

‘Impactful colour placement is a trend I’ve spotted lately – instead of all-over brights – like a face-framing pop, just the tips or even just the roots,’ Jonathan says. ‘Pixies and bixies are still really in, as well as lots of layers and textures, but the twist I’m loving is heavily layered or textured cuts with blunt lines that create a deliberate shape with an effortless finish.’

Nervous about trying something new? Jonathan recommends taking some photos to your stylist so they can advise you.